Americana: Capitol Sting

A group of third-and fourth-graders swarmed through the Vermont
statehouse last January and persuaded legislators to designate Apis
mellifera (the honeybee) as the state's official insect. Argued one of
the young lobbyists: "Bees are industrious, just like us Vermonters."
The bill was duly signed into law by Governor Richard A. Snelling.

At noon one day last week, 10,000 bees droned into Montpelier and
settled under the eaves near the Governor's office. "It's probably just
a delegation to thank Governor Snelling," joked Beekeeper Emile
("Beaver") Couillard, 65, as he climbed a ladder 50 ft. to...